I'm thinking about buying a used border patrol truck from a guy who buys hundreds each year from government auctions. He goes to TX and AZ then has them shipped all the way to MI where he fixes them up and sells them. I'm not going to be towing but need a truck for hunting and hauling stuff in the bed. There are two trucks I'm interested in.

These trucks don't have rear benches but he has them for $150. I haven't looked at or driven these yet, but I want to get a good deal. I don't know what is the better deal of the two trucks. From what he's told me, the 8.1 is beat up pretty bad and he hasn't been able to sell it so I may be able to talk him down more. Is the gas mileage going to be that much different between the two? I read the 8.1 gets maybe 10 mpg, whereas the 6.0 might get 11. Are parts readily available for the 8.1 versus 6.0 if something breaks?

Any insight would be helpful. My other option is a 1995 12v cummins D***e 2500 with 157,000 miles for $5,000. But diesel maintenance scares me, especially random things breaking on the D***e.

I would say get the 6.0L if youre worried about gas mileage. The 8.1L is gonna suck down gas quickly. Very quickly! It will give you lots and lots of power! But the 6.0L is I think tested to be a very reliable and strong motor.

Yeah I mean my buddies dad just bought a 2001 8.1L with the allison and when pulling his #7000 camper was getting about 6-8mpg highway, mind you he drives like hes driving miss daisy. Without his trailer hes managing 11-13 just putting around doing 55mph on every highway does matter speed limit signs. On my 6.0L with the 4L80E tranny with cruise set at 68mph I managed 131miles on 1/4 tank! Thats probably 524 miles to a tank. Not bad for $100 fill up!

I also would have to say the 6.0 would be a good choice sound like a lot nicer truck than the 8.1. If your consern is towing and hauling the 6.0 runs head to head with any of my other diesel trucks you will not be disapointed. The 12v cummins is a great power plant however the truck behind it is well need i say more. Good luck with your selection!

What's tempting about the border patrol trucks is that if they're in decent condition I can get one at a few thousand below blue book. If I needed to sell it down the road for whatever reason I wouldn't lose that much money maybe.

So I live in Ann Arbor and the guy who buys the border trucks has them all in Marion, MI where his business is. I have to drive it 3 hours home but they are already in MI.

I guess the GMT900 trucks are in high demand so he flips those pretty quickly, especially the DMAXs. Most trucks have some body damage and no rear seats because the Border Patrol puts refrigerators in the back. It costs him about $800 per vehicle in shipping from AZ to MI.